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SMH, Red Cross set partnership for '100 Days of Summer' drive

Vacations and summer activities often result in a decline in blood donations during the summer. That’s why Saline Memorial Hospital has partnered with the American Red Cross for the “100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hope” Campaign.

The aim of the campaign is to increase blood donations during the summer months.
SMH is hosting a blood drive on Monday, June 9, in the SMH Health Education Building-Classroom 1.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Collecting blood in the summer months is difficult because people are so busy with activities,” said Rebecca Jones, marketing and community relations director at SMH. “However, that’s when we need it most.

"People are traveling and accidents happen. We want to ensure that we have enough blood to care for our patients and we encourage our community to come out and support the drive.”

During the months of June, July and August, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive from what patients need, Jones said.

“The goal for the campaign is to exceed the expected number of donations by two,” said Jones. “We are expected to have 42 donors which means that 44 donors would be ideal for the campaign.”
Having two additional donors per drive will offset the decline of donations during the duration of the summer.

Each individual donation has the potential to save three lives, Jones noted. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma can all be extracted independently from one unit of blood to serve three different purposes in medical treatment and emergencies.

Blood donations of all types are needed to maintain an adequate supply for patients in need, especially types O-negative, B-negative and A-negative.

Platelet donations also are needed as they must be transfused within five days of donation and must be constantly replenished.

“There are 89 days of summer left. We hope you’ll choose your day to give blood and give hope to someone in need," Jones said.

For more information about donating at the SMH drive next week, call 776-6764.